Chris Snead

Christine (Chris) Snead is a native of Hampton. She is a graduate of Hampton Public Schools. She earned an associate's degree in accounting from Thomas Nelson Community College, and she completed additional course work at Saint Leo's University. Chris has received a variety of certifications, accolades and recognition from professional organizations including the Government Finance Officers' Association and the Virginia Municipal League.

Chris recently retired from the city of Hampton after 34 years of public service; serving the last 15 years as its budget director.

Chris began her career as a clerk typist in the city manager's office as part of the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act program; known as CETA. Chris quickly became an example of what the CETA program was meant to accomplish. She continued her education, and she was promoted to positions of increasing responsibilities and opportunities.

For example, Chris worked as an administrative secretary, budget technician, budget analyst and budget manager before becoming the budget director. She has developed and managed budgets ranging from $86 million to $413 million. Under her leadership, the Hampton Office of Budget and Management Analysis won several Awards for Excellence in Budget Presentation. In addition Chris served on the financial team that was responsible for updating the city's financial policies which resulted in the second highest bond rating upgrade by the rating agencies. She was instrumental in the development of such innovative processes as the school funding formula and the city's End of Year Savings Program. It was under Chris' leadership that community input sessions on the annual budget and capital improvement plans began.

In June 1994, Chris was featured among "Hampton Roads Women" in the Virginian-Pilot newspaper. As a member of the city of Hampton's Executive Team, she was recognized as one of the top women who broke through the "glass ceiling." Affectionately known as the budget diva, Chris has given presentations on public budgeting to diverse professional associations, community organizations and college classes.

Chris' professional affiliations include the Government Finance Officer's Association, the Hampton City Employees Credit Union, the National Conference of Minority Public Administrators, and the Star Achievers. She has held leadership positions in most of these organizations. She has also been recognized for her leadership and community service by organizations including Girls Incorporated. She currently serves on the board of directors of the Hampton City Employees Credit Union.

Chris, a widow, has one daughter, Samantha, who is a graduate of Kecoughtan High School in Hampton and Johnson and Wales University in Charlotte, N.C., where she currently resides. Chris is a member of New Hope Baptist Church in the Northampton area of the city.

•Revenue generation to cover short-term economic challenges such as funding for schools, core city services, employee compensation and maintenance of facilities and infrastructure. Revenue generation can take place in many ways. In the short-term, revenue generation may involve a review of city services and offering only those services that are core to the city. It could include an increase in some taxes and fees that have minimal impact on the citizens.

•Strengthening Hampton's economic base with focus on the Fort Monroe, Phoebus, Buckroe and downtown areas, high-paying STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) jobs and existing business sustainability and expansion. This will assist with generating revenue in the long term thereby lessening the tax burden on the citizens of Hampton.

•Drainage and flooding. This is a very expensive issue, a more detailed plan must take place to determine where efforts to lessen flooding must take place. In addition, a funding matrix must be in development, along with funding strategies. This must be communicated to the public on a regular basis so that citizens will know what is to occur and when.

Describe how you and your goals for office are different from the other candidates:

With 34 years of public service and 15 years of executive leadership experience as Hampton's budget director, I have provided responsive, responsible and reliable service to Hampton city government and its citizens. I have developed and managed budgets ranging from $86 million to $413 million. My career history demonstrates my ability to lead, my dedication and my strong work ethic.

My mission is to continue serving the citizens of Hampton. With first-hand knowledge of city operations and finances, I look forward to assisting City Council in exploring new policy directions and opportunities. Moving Hampton forward is not an option. It is a necessity. I look forward to representing all citizens in moving Hampton forward.